First Known Use: 1826
Dictionary
improvise
verb im·pro·vise \ˈim-prə-ˌvīz also ˌim-prə-ˈ\
: to speak or perform without preparation
: to make or create (something) by using whatever is available
im·pro·visedim·pro·vis·ing
Full Definition of IMPROVISE
transitive verb
1
: to compose, recite, play, or sing extemporaneously
2
: to make, invent, or arrange offhand
3
: to make or fabricate out of what is conveniently on hand <improvise a meal>
intransitive verb
: to improvise something
— im·pro·vis·er or im·pro·vi·sor \-ˌvī-zər, -ˈvī-\ noun
See improvise defined for English-language learners
See improvise defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of IMPROVISE
French improviser, from Italian improvvisare, from improvviso sudden, from Latin improvisus, literally, unforeseen, from in- + provisus, past participle of providēre to see ahead — more at provide
Related to IMPROVISE
- Synonyms
- ad-lib, clap (together or up), extemporize, fake
Other Performing Arts Terms
Rhymes with IMPROVISE
advertise, agonize, alchemize, analyze, anglicize, anodize, anywise, aphorize, arborize, atomize, authorize, autolyze, balkanize, barbarize, bastardize, bestialize, bolshevize, booby prize, botanize, bowdlerize, brutalize, canalize, canonize, capsulize, caramelize, carbonize, cartelize, catalyze, catechize, cauterize, centralize, channelize, Christianize, cicatrize, circumcise, civilize, classicize, colonize, colorize, communize, compromise, concertize, concretize, creolize, criticize, customize, demonize, deputize, dialyze, digitize, disfranchise, dogmatize, dramatize, elegize, empathize, emphasize, energize, enfranchise, enterprise, equalize, erotize, eternize, etherize, eulogize, euphemize, exercise, exorcise, factorize, fantasize, federalize, feminize, fertilize, feudalize, fictionize, finalize, focalize, formalize, formulize, fossilize, fragmentize, fraternize, gallicize, galvanize, germanize, ghettoize, glamorize, globalize, gormandize, gothicize, gourmandize, grecianize, harmonize, heathenize, hebraize, hellenize, heroize, hierarchize, humanize, hybridize, hypnotize, idolize, immunize, iodize, ionize, ironize, Islamize, itemize, jeopardize, journalize, Judaize, laicize, latinize, legalize, lionize, liquidize, localize, magnetize, marbleize, martyrize, maximize, mechanize, melanize, melodize, memorize, merchandise, mesmerize, methodize, metricize, minimize, mobilize, modernize, moisturize, mongrelize, moralize, motorize, mythicize, narcotize, nasalize, nebulize, neutralize, normalize, notarize, novelize, obelize, odorize, optimize, organize, ostracize, otherwise, oversize, oxidize, paganize, palletize, paradise, paralyze, pasteurize, patronize, pauperize, penalize, penny-wise, personalize, pidginize, plasticize, Platonize, pluralize, pocket-size, poetize, polarize, polemize, pressurize, privatize, profitwise, prussianize, publicize, pulverize, racialize, randomize, rationalize, realize, recognize, rhapsodize, robotize, romanize, sanitize, satirize, scandalize, schematize, schismatize, scrutinize, sensitize, sermonize, signalize, simonize, sinicize, slenderize, sloganize, socialize, sodomize, solarize, solemnize, specialize, stabilize, Stalinize, standardize, sterilize, stigmatize, strategize, subsidize, summarize, supervise, syllogize, symbolize, sympathize, synchronize, syncretize, synopsize, synthesize, systemize, tantalize, televise, temporize, tenderize, terrorize, tetanize, teutonize, texturize, theorize, thermalize, totalize, tranquilize, traumatize, tyrannize, unionize, unitize, urbanize, utilize, valorize, vandalize, vaporize, verbalize, vernalize, victimize, vitalize, vocalize, vulcanize, vulgarize, weather-wise, weatherize, westernize, winterize, womanize, worldly-wise
IMPROVISING Defined for Kids
improvise
verb im·pro·vise \ˈim-prə-ˌvīz\
im·pro·visedim·pro·vis·ing
Definition of IMPROVISE for Kids
1
: to speak or perform without preparing ahead of time <I improvised a song on the spot.>
2
: to make, invent, or arrange by using whatever is available <… Cluny sat beneath an awning that had been improvised from the damaged tent. — Brian Jacques, Redwall>
Learn More About IMPROVISE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: improvision (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: improvisatriceAll Words Near: improvise
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up improvise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).